Some tough foes in Electrify's return

OLDSMAR, Fla. - Electrify, who had his three-race win streak snapped in the What a Pleasure Stakes at Calder in his final start as a 2-year-old, will attempt to get back on the winning track Saturday in the $60,000 Pasco Stakes at seven furlongs at Tampa Bay Downs. In order to do so, he must get past Doc Cheney and Inaugural Stakes winner R Loyal Man.

Trained by Ed Plesa Jr., Electrify won his debut in September, then went wire to wire to post a three-length victory in a 1 1/16-mile allowance race. After improving to 3 for 3 by winning the Jack Price Juvenile on Nov. 12, Electrify returned as one of the favorites in the What a Pleasure. He dueled for the lead into the stretch, gave way in the drive, and faded to fifth behind Saint Augustus.

Electrify has come back to work smartly since the What a Pleasure, including a pair of mile drills over the Calder strip. He should be on or close to the lead from the start Saturday from his outside post. Jesus Castanon rides.

Trainer Nick Zito will send out Doc Cheney, who is 2 for 2 and makes his first start against stakes company. After rallying from off the pace to win his debut in October, Doc Cheney came off a two-month break to take on allowance rivals at Calder. He overcame some problems at the start of that 6 1/2-furlong sprint and challenged for the lead into the stretch before prevailing by 1 3/4 lengths. Jeremy Rose, regular rider of Afleet Alex, is slated to come up from Miami to ride Doc Cheney.

R Loyal Man ran up between horses leaving the turn of the six-furlong Inaugural and drew off to post an 8 1/2-length victory. He also finished a fast-closing second in the Grade 3 Bashford Manor Stakes at Churchill last July and has worked smartly for his 3-year-old debut.

Dinner Choice, Neverbeendancin, Had If I Had More, Right Flanker, Hip Hip Hurrah, Kalita, and Weekend Weather round out the field.